How to Grow Chinese Yam
Dioscorea polystachya
Chinese yam (Nagaimo) is a vigorous climbing vine grown for its long white tubers used raw or cooked in Asian cuisine. Plant tuber sections 8 cm deep in well-drained soil once temperatures reach 15°C. Erect a strong trellis before shoots emerge — vines climb to 3 m. Water regularly but never waterlog. Harvest in autumn when foliage dies back; dig carefully as tubers can reach 60 cm deep. The gooey raw texture is a signature of authentic Japanese recipes.
When to Start
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 15°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during active vine growth. Reduce feeding when foliage starts to yellow and die back in autumn.
- Chinese yam produces a long, cylindrical white tuber that becomes gooey (natto-like) when grated raw — a distinctive texture prized in Japanese and Chinese cooking. It also forms small aerial tubers (bulbils) in leaf axils. Plant tuber sections with a growth bud in spring. Vines grow vigorously to 3 m and need strong support. Harvest in autumn after frost kills the foliage. Deep taproots require careful digging — fork out slowly rather than pulling.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–28°C
- Direct sow
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 50 cm |
| Sow depth | 8 cm |
| Mature height | 300 cm |
| Mature spread | 50 cm |
Space tuber pieces 30 cm apart with a trellis or strong support. One plant per 30 cm pot for container growing. The vines climb 2-3 m and need vertical space.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–28°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Chinese Yam?
- Plant Chinese Yam 30cm apart with 50cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Chinese Yam?
- Chinese Yam is ready to harvest approximately 180 days after transplanting.
- Is Chinese Yam frost hardy?
- Chinese Yam is classified as Half Hardy.
